Critical Analysis of Upcoming Phone Call Between Biden and Xi Jinping

The White House announced that President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to have a phone call in the coming weeks. This announcement comes as U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan visits Beijing to meet with China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi. Both sides also mentioned that their military leaders would have a call soon, along with plans for the second round of U.S.-China talks on artificial intelligence.

The phone call between Biden and Xi will not be their first conversation. They held a nearly two-hour phone call in early April after meeting in November 2023. This is an important continuation of high-level communication between the two countries, especially considering the tensions that have existed in recent years.

Both the U.S. and China reaffirmed their stances on various key issues including tech restrictions, Taiwan, the South China Sea, and Ukraine during Sullivan’s visit to Beijing this week. The official readouts of the meetings highlighted the ongoing differences between the two nations on these critical matters.

The visit by Sullivan to Beijing and the upcoming phone call between the two presidents reflect diplomatic efforts to address the complex relationship between the U.S. and China. The White House also noted that John Podesta, senior advisor to the president for international climate policy, would be traveling to China in the near future, indicating a broader focus on international cooperation.

The past difficulties in U.S.-China relations, including tensions, Covid-19 restrictions, and disruptions in planned talks, serve as a backdrop for the upcoming phone call. The importance of maintaining open lines of communication between the two largest economies in the world cannot be understated, especially given the global implications of their interactions.

The planned phone call between President Biden and President Xi is a significant development in U.S.-China relations. It underscores the ongoing efforts to engage diplomatically on critical issues despite past challenges and tensions. The outcome of this communication will be closely watched by leaders, analysts, and the international community as a whole.